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Welcome and announcements

Education

Fixing Your Frustrations: When, Where and How to Make Your Diagnostic Tests Work (2 CE hours)

As Mark Twain said, “First collect the facts. You can distort them later.”  The key to success in dermatology or otology cases is to know when to perform specific tests, how to perform those tests to get the maximum benefit, and how to interpret these tests. In this session, we’ll go through the basic diagnostic procedures that are critical to success in dermatology!

Breakfast

Education

Cytology as a KEY Diagnostic Tool in Dermatology (1 CE hour)

Cytology is arguably one of the key diagnostic tests in dermatology. It provides revenue for the practice while obtaining essential diagnostic information to help you with the case (win-win). There are several tricks / tips that can make this go better and provide even more value.

Microscopy 101: Proper Use and Care of the most Important Diagnostic Tool in Your Practice! (1 CE hour)

So, we’ve talked about cytology and other diagnostic tests…but many rely on a function microscope and your working knowledge of that instrument. Again, there are some very specific tricks/tips on using the scope and caring for the scope to make it a more functional instrument…and a revenue-generating monster! We’ll take a look at those things you should have learned in school about the microscope…but sadly, aren’t usually even taught. The end result will be better clinical skills for you and your staff AND increased value for your practice.

Hit the slopes!

Education

Updates on Allergy Diagnosis and Management (2 CE hours)

Allergy, allergy, allergy!  These cases are everywhere and are seen every day in almost all practices. In addition, allergy, specifically atopic dermatitis, is the #1 underlying cause of otitis, pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis, acral lick dermatitis, acute moist dermatitis…and frustration of pet owners and veterinarians!  So, we’ll talk about the options…look a bit at deciding when to test and when to treat….and also how to make decisions.

Breakfast

Education

The Foundation for Managing Otitis: Structure and Function of the Ear (1 CE hour)

Truthfully, if you don’t understand the ear (anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology of otitis, then you will fail at managing otitis cases. So, in this session, we’ll discuss the structure and function of the ear…while relating that to the diagnosis and management of otitis. We’ll also take a hard look at the pathophysiology of otitis, the understanding of which leads to best practices in managing otitis.

Part I: Clinical Practice Guidelines for Managing Otitis Externa (1 CE hour)

The World Association of Veterinary Dermatology is supporting a world team of experts on otitis to provide clinical practice guidelines on how to diagnose and manage that extremely common problem.  In this session, we’ll go through the 7 steps identified by that working group and discuss the key and relevant points. Following these guidelines WILL make managing otitis more successful!

Hit the slopes!

Education

Part II: Clinical Practice Guidelines for Managing Otitis Externa (2 CE hours)

The World Association of Veterinary Dermatology is supporting a world team of experts on otitis to provide clinical practice guidelines on how to diagnose and manage that extremely common problem.  In this session, we’ll go through the 7 steps identified by that working group and discuss the key and relevant points. Following these guidelines WILL make managing otitis more successful!

Breakfast

Education

Common Ear Problems in the Cat (1 CE hour)

Cats are definitely not small dogs when it comes to ear problems. They have their own unique set of problems that complicate managing ear disease. So, we will talk about the issues and discuss the most common ear problems seen in cats.

Managing Difficult Otitis Cases in Dogs (1 CE hour)

There are a few issues that cause those really difficult cases of otitis in dogs. In this session, we’ll concentrate on how to manage those nasty bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas infections and severe hyperplastic ears.